South African university students pursuing technology-related degrees can apply for the Amazon Recruitment Bursary 2027, a funding opportunity designed to develop future Software Development Engineers (SDEs).

The programme is administered through StudyTrust and combines financial support for eligible studies with a paid Amazon summer internship.

Successful students can gain practical software development experience, work on meaningful technology projects and be assessed for a possible full-time Software Development Engineer position with Amazon after completing their studies.

The current application deadline has been extended to:

11 November 2026

The bursary is particularly aimed at students entering their final undergraduate year in 2027 who intend to continue to Honours/NQF Level 8 and complete their tertiary education by the end of 2028.

Amazon Recruitment Bursary 2027 Quick Overview

StudyTrust confirms that the Amazon Recruitment Bursary has been extended to 11 November 2026 and that applications are reviewed during the application period.

About the Amazon Recruitment Bursary

The Amazon Recruitment Bursary was launched by Amazon Development Centre to support students developing careers in software development and technology.

Unlike an ordinary bursary that only provides financial assistance, this is a recruitment bursary.

Successful applicants receive funding for eligible academic costs and are expected to participate in a paid Amazon summer internship.

During the internship, students can demonstrate their technical and coding abilities while working alongside experienced Amazon employees.

Strong-performing students may subsequently be considered for a permanent Software Development Engineer role after completing their studies.

Fields of Study Covered

The current StudyTrust eligibility information focuses on undergraduate degrees related to:

• Computer Science
• Computer Engineering
• Software Engineering
• Machine Learning
• Artificial Intelligence

Applicants should check the exact qualification name on their university registration documents before applying.

The current Amazon/StudyTrust criteria do not list every technology-related degree as automatically eligible. Therefore, students studying broader programmes such as Information Technology, Information Systems or Data Science should confirm eligibility with StudyTrust rather than assuming that their degree qualifies.

What Does the Amazon Bursary Cover?

The Amazon Recruitment Bursary provides funding for approved academic and related costs, subject to the programme’s applicable limits.

The listed funding areas include:

• Tuition fees
• University residence
• Private accommodation
• Subsistence
• Stationery
• Books
• Personal computer
• Transport

The funding is capped, so applicants should not assume that every cost will automatically be paid in full.

StudyTrust administers the bursary and manages the application and selection process.

Paid Amazon Internship

One of the biggest advantages of the Amazon Recruitment Bursary is the associated paid internship.

Successful bursary recipients must commit to participating in a paid Amazon internship during the summer vacation.

The internship provides students with the opportunity to:

• Work on real software projects.
• Demonstrate coding ability.
• Develop technical skills.
• Work with experienced Software Development Engineers.
• Gain professional workplace experience.
• Learn about Amazon’s technology environment.
• Participate in training opportunities.
• Build professional networks.

Amazon explains that SDE interns work on real-world technical problems and contribute to software projects involving areas such as distributed systems, data, automation, optimisation, scalability and security.

Potential Employment After Graduation

The Amazon Recruitment Bursary is closely connected to Amazon’s Software Development Engineer recruitment process.

During the internship, students can be assessed for a potential full-time permanent SDE position.

However, employment is not automatically guaranteed.

A suitable employment offer must be made, and students must successfully meet Amazon’s assessment and recruitment requirements.

Eligible students should be available to start full-time employment with Amazon in January 2029, subject to receiving an offer.

Amazon Bursary Requirements for 2027

Applicants must meet the specific eligibility requirements before applying.

South African Citizenship

Applicants must be:

South African citizens.

The programme is available to students studying at recognised South African universities.

Current University Students

This is not a general Grade 12 bursary.

Applicants must already be studying towards an eligible undergraduate degree.

For the 2027 intake, students should be entering:

• The third year of a three-year undergraduate degree, or
• The fourth year of a four-year undergraduate degree.

The intention is for the student to progress to Honours in 2028.

Academic Average

Applicants must have maintained an overall academic average of at least:

65%

Students should make sure their latest academic results accurately reflect their performance.

Honours / NQF Level 8

Applicants should intend to complete their tertiary education through Honours level or NQF Level 8 by the end of 2028.

This requirement is important because the bursary is designed around the recruitment of students who can progress towards a Software Development Engineer career after completing their studies.

Master’s Students

Master’s-level students are not eligible for this particular recruitment bursary.

Coding Ability Is Important

This is a technology recruitment bursary, so applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their coding and technical problem-solving abilities.

StudyTrust states that shortlisted applicants will undergo an additional assessment with Amazon.

Students may be required to demonstrate their coding ability using a programming language of their choice, such as:

• Java
• C
• C++
• C#
• Python

Applicants should therefore make sure their application clearly demonstrates their interest and experience in software development.

What Kind of Student Is Amazon Looking For?

The opportunity is particularly suited to students who:

• Enjoy programming.
• Like solving complex problems.
• Have strong analytical abilities.
• Are interested in software development.
• Enjoy working with technology.
• Can demonstrate coding ability.
• Are interested in scalable technology systems.
• Want to work in a technology-focused environment.
• Are interested in pursuing a Software Development Engineer career.
• Are willing to participate in an Amazon internship.

Amazon also considers candidates’ alignment with its workplace culture and expectations.

Work-Back Obligation

The Amazon Recruitment Bursary includes an important obligation.

Students who receive the bursary are expected to be open to accepting a full-time permanent position with Amazon for a period equal to the years of bursary funding received, provided that Amazon makes a suitable employment offer after the internship assessment.

Applicants should therefore read the bursary terms carefully before accepting funding.

This is different from a bursary that has no employment-related obligation.

Documents Required

Applicants should prepare their supporting documents before starting the StudyTrust application.

The required information and documents can include:

• Certified South African ID
• Certified Matric certificate
• Full academic record/transcripts
• Proof of household income
• Parent or guardian payslips where applicable
• Employer letter where applicable
• Financial statements if a parent/guardian is self-employed
• Affidavit where a parent/guardian is unemployed
• Death certificates where applicable
• Divorce documentation where applicable
• Relevant sworn statements where parents/guardians are separated
• Proof of address
• Recent head-and-shoulders photograph

StudyTrust’s general application process requires applicants to provide academic, personal and household financial information, with supporting documents uploaded before submission.

Applicants should follow the document requirements displayed on the StudyTrust application platform because requirements can vary between bursary programmes.

How to Apply for the Amazon Bursary 2027

Applications are submitted online through StudyTrust.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Confirm that you:

• Are a South African citizen.
• Are studying at a recognised South African university.
• Are entering your final undergraduate year in 2027.
• Are studying an eligible technology-related degree.
• Have at least a 65% academic average.
• Intend to progress to Honours/NQF Level 8.
• Are interested in Software Development Engineering.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Have your ID, academic records, Matric certificate and required household-income documentation ready.

Step 3: Complete the StudyTrust Application

Create or access your StudyTrust application profile and complete all required sections.

StudyTrust advises applicants to provide accurate information because the information supplied is used to determine eligibility for different bursary programmes.

Step 4: Complete Your Personal Statement

Your personal statement is important.

Use it to explain your:

• Coding experience
• Programming skills
• Interest in software development
• Career goals
• Motivation for pursuing an SDE career

StudyTrust specifically advises applicants to write their application essays themselves and not have AI write them on their behalf.

Step 5: Submit Before the Deadline

The extended closing date is:

11 November 2026

StudyTrust recommends applying early because applications are reviewed during the application period.

Amazon Bursary Selection Process

The selection process involves more than simply checking academic results.

After submitting an application through StudyTrust, shortlisted candidates may be contacted for an additional Amazon assessment.

The assessment can focus on:

• Coding
• Technical problem-solving
• Software development ability
• Analytical thinking

Successful candidates may then progress through Amazon’s recruitment process for the internship and potential future employment.

Important: This Is a Recruitment Bursary

Applicants should understand that this is not simply a bursary for funding university studies.

The programme is designed to create a potential pathway into a Software Development Engineer career at Amazon.

This means students should be comfortable with:

• Completing a paid internship.
• Demonstrating their technical abilities.
• Participating in Amazon training.
• Being assessed for employment.
• Potentially accepting a work-back obligation if offered employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the Amazon Bursary 2027?

South African citizens studying eligible undergraduate technology degrees at recognised South African universities can apply if they meet the academic and year-level requirements.

What average do I need?

You need an overall academic average of at least 65%.

Which degrees qualify?

The current StudyTrust criteria focus on Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence-related undergraduate degrees.

Can Information Technology students apply?

The current Amazon/StudyTrust eligibility page does not explicitly list general Information Technology among the eligible fields. Students should confirm their exact programme with StudyTrust before applying.

Can I apply if I am in first year?

No. The 2027 intake is aimed at students entering their final undergraduate year in 2027.

Can Master’s students apply?

No. Master’s-level students are specifically excluded from this bursary.

How much is the Amazon bursary?

The programme covers approved costs such as tuition, accommodation, subsistence, books, stationery, a personal computer and transport, subject to applicable caps. A single fixed cash amount is not specified.

Is the Amazon internship paid?

Yes. Successful bursary recipients are required to participate in a paid Amazon summer internship.

Is permanent employment guaranteed?

No. Students are assessed during the internship for potential full-time employment. An employment offer is subject to Amazon’s recruitment process and the availability of a suitable position.

When could employment start?

Eligible applicants should be available to start full-time permanent employment with Amazon in January 2029, subject to receiving an offer.

What is the closing date?

The current extended closing date is:

11 November 2026.

Amazon Bursary 2027 Application Checklist

Before submitting your application, make sure you have:

• South African citizenship
• Enrolment at a recognised South African university
• Eligible technology-related undergraduate degree
• Entry into final undergraduate year in 2027
• At least 65% overall academic average
• Intention to progress to Honours/NQF Level 8
• Study completion planned by the end of 2028
• Coding/programming experience
• Certified ID
• Certified Matric certificate
• Full academic record
• Required household-income documents
• Proof of address
• Recent photograph
• Willingness to complete the paid Amazon internship
• Willingness to participate in Amazon assessments and training
• Availability for potential full-time employment from January 2029
• Application submitted before 11 November 2026

Final Thoughts

The Amazon Recruitment Bursary 2027 is more than financial assistance for university students.

It combines bursary funding, a paid Amazon internship, technical development and potential recruitment into a Software Development Engineer role.

The opportunity is particularly suited to South African university students who are entering their final undergraduate year in 2027, have maintained at least a 65% academic average and have a genuine interest in software development.

Students should also understand the recruitment nature of the programme. Shortlisted candidates may have to demonstrate their coding and problem-solving skills, and successful bursary recipients are expected to participate in the paid internship.

The current extended deadline is 11 November 2026.

If you meet the requirements, prepare your documents, carefully complete your StudyTrust application and make sure your personal statement accurately reflects your own coding experience, motivation and career goals.

Disclaimer

This article is an opportunity explainer based on the Amazon Recruitment Bursary information administered through StudyTrust. It is not an official publication of Amazon or StudyTrust.

Applicants should verify the latest eligibility requirements, funding conditions, assessment process and application instructions on the official StudyTrust and Amazon recruitment platforms before submitting an application.